A Note to Grand Rapids Restaurateurs
Posted in On a Side Note on February 15th, 2010 by JDodge – 2 CommentsSince starting GRDine back in June/July, I have experienced some of Grand Rapids Best and Worst dining establishments. I have always loved talking to friends and family about some of the good and bad experiences we have shared around Grand Rapids cuisine. Restaurants typically have the most interesting stories that go well beyond the food. These stories range around family struggles as they look to make it in a new city, to the efforts the owners make to be green or buy local. The stories are endless…

So why is it that the restaurant industry seems to be in the stone ages when it comes to digital/social media??? Restaurants make it or break it based on word of mouth…and now everyone has the ability to participate in these conversations, yet so many still don’t have websites, or an online menu. Think about the endless conversations that take place on a daily basis around your brand. It is likely that you don’t have a clue because you aren’t participating in the space. Now think about how much of that information could be misguided, or inaccurate? Being a part of the community is now beyond knowing your physical neighbors. Take a minute to Google, Facebook or Twitter search your restaurant, your name, your competition. Do you like what you see?
Some of my favorite restaurants are also restaurants that I have had correspondence with online. Some of these brands even initiate the conversation. Take a look at Founders, San Chez, and Green Well on Facebook. These establishments understand the importance of being a part of the conversation. People who use Social Media like to define themselves by the brands they follow. Become a part of their image. Share your stories. Talk to your customers before they come in the front door.
-Jon
PS: This note was written as I was searching online for photos of several restaurants. I also enjoy the history of how many of these establishments came to be.














